During the summer of 1928,Ub Iwerks, one of the animator's working at Disney Brothers Studio in Los Angels saw a mouse scurrying around the studio.The company had just lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit their successful cartoon star.Walt Disney was in his office drawing sketches for a new character, when he recalled seeing the mouse.He drew a rough sketch of a rodent.
Mickey Mouse is Born
Ub Iwersk used Disney's sketch to create several drawings of the character.Disney liked the designs and named the mouse Mickey Mouse. Iwerks and Disney collaborated to create the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, "Steamboat Willie". The cartoon was a huge success and Mickey Mouse quickly became one of the most popular characters in the world.
Inspiration from Charlie Chaplin
Walt Disney was also inspired by the silent film comedian Charlie Chaplin when creating Mickey Mouse.Chaplin's signature mustache, derby hat, and baggy pants were all incorporated into Mickey's design.Disney also admired Chaplin's ability to convey emotions without using words, and he wanted Mickey Mouse to have the same ability.